Upgrades to medical imaging and relocation of Medical Ambulatory Care Unit
The NSW Government has committed $21.9 million to upgrade and expand Wollongong Hospital to respond to the health needs of the growing local community. As part of upgrades, an additional MRI and CT scanner will be installed at the hospital and the Emergency Short Stay Area (ESSA) is being expanded and relocated.
These works will help meet increased demand and better support the flow of patients through the hospital, improving access to local health services. Works are currently underway.
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Wollongong Hospital upgrades – upcoming night works
There are no night works currently planned in the short term.
Emergency Short Stay Area
Wollongong Hospital has significantly improved Emergency Department (ED) wait times through more effective use of the Emergency Short Stay Area (ESSA).
ESSA operates like a ward within the ED itself – one designed to provide a short period of ongoing treatment and observation of a patient’s condition, avoiding an unnecessary hospital admission.
Given the success of this model, the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District will relocate and expand the current ESSA from 10 beds to 16 beds to further improve access and flow within the ED and enhance overall patient flow across the hospital.
It will enable timely assessments and treatments, ensuring patients can be discharged as soon as clinically appropriate, which helps reduce the need for hospital admissions.
Due to the small-scale nature of the works, appropriate management measures will be put in place to manage the minimal noise and vibration disruption to neighbouring residents.
The project is set to begin in April 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in August 2025.
Should you like to provide any feedback on the works or to find out more information, please contact
ISLHD-capitalworks@health.nsw.gov.au